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First Look at Mobile Device Hardware
A smart phone is a cell phone with added capabilities Ability to send/receive text messages with photos, video, or other multimedia content Web browsing
An all-in-one computer uses a combination of components designed for desktop computers and laptops Mobile devices an IT support technician may service include smart phones, tablets, phablets, e-readers, smart cameras, GPS devices, and wearable technology devices
A mobile device might make a connection using a cellular network, Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, IR, NFC, tethering, creating its own hotspot, or a wired connection
Installing or Replacing a Motherboard
A motherboard is considered a field replaceable unit A technician needs to know how to: Select an appropriate motherboard Install or replace one in a desktop or laptop computer
5. Install motherboard 6. Install processor and processor cooler 7. Install RAM 8. Attach cabling case switches, power supply, drives 9. Install video card on motherboard 10. Plug in PC, attach monitor, keyboard 11. Boot system, enter UEFI/BIOS setup
12. Observe POST, verify no errors 13. Verify Windows starts with no errors 14. Install the motherboard drivers 15. Install other expansion cards and drivers 16. Verify system operating properly, make final OS and UEFI/BIOS adjustments
An ATX power supply has a variety of power connectors Power connectors have evolved because new technologies require more power Common ATX power connectors are listed on the following slides
20-pin P1 connector: used by the first ATX power supplies and motherboards. 4-pin and 8-pin auxiliary connectors: used to provide and additional 12 V of power for evolving CPUs.
24-pin or 20+4-pin P1 connector: the older 20-pin P1 connector still worked in this connector Supported the new PCI Express slots
6-pin and 8-pin PCIe connectors: connect directly to the video card . Video cards draw the most power in a system
Connect the power cords from the power supply to the motherboard Will always need the main P1 power connector and may likely need the 4-pin auxiliary connector for the processor
A board might have a 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connector If power supply does not have this connector, use an adapter to convert two Molex connectors to a PCIe connector
AMD chipsets AMD A-series Designed to support the AMD Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), which is a combination of a CPU and a graphics processing unit (GPU) Support AMD CrossFire technology, which uses dual video cards in the same system
AMD 9-series Designed to support AMD processors that can have up to eight cores
Two form factors used by most desktop and tower computer cases and power supplies: ATX Micro-ATX
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) Most commonly used form factor today Originally developed by Intel in 1995 It is an open, nonproprietary industry specification
Using BIOS Setup To Configure a Motherboard
Access the BIOS Setup Program Press a key or combination of keys during the boot process Varies from one manufacturer to another See documentation for your motherboard or watch the screen near the beginning of the boot. Setup screen appears with menus and Help features
Change the boot sequence Might need to change boot sequence from hard drive to DVD for a new Windows install
After the OS is installed, change setup BIOS to boot first from the hard drive To prevent accidental boots from a DVD or other media. If troubleshooting a boot problem, be sure to set BIOS to perform a full POST
What's Inside an All-in-One Computer
All-in-one computer: uses a mix of components sized for a desktop and a laptop For some components, you'll need to buy replacements from the manufacturer because they are most likely proprietary See the service manual for specific directions about replacing parts
When working inside a computer, stay organized, keep careful notes, and follow all safety procedures. Before opening a case, shut down the system, unplug it, disconnect all cables, and press the power button to drain residual power
An expansion card fits in a slot on the motherboard and is anchored to the case by a single screw or clip. Laptop computers are designed for travel, so smaller and more durable replacement parts cost more than they do for desktops
How to Work Inside a Laptop Computer
It may become necessary to open a laptop case to upgrade memory, exchange a hard drive, or replace a failed component. Replacing a broken LCD panel or motherboard can be a complex process
Haswell and Broadwell chipsets Haswell - released in 2013 Work with the LGA1150 and LGA2011 sockets Work with DDR3 and DDR4 memory and use less power than previous chipsets
Broadwell - released in 2015 Faster than the Haswell chipsets Use the LGA1150 socket
Special Keys, Buttons, and Input Devices on a Laptop
Button or switches might be above the keyboard Most of the same settings that these buttons control may also be changed using Windows tools
PCI Express (PCIe) Not backward compatible with conventional PCI or PCI-X Expected to replace both PCI and PCI-X Uses a serial bus, which is faster than parallel
Comes in four different slot sizes PCI Express x1, x4, x8, and x16. Latest version is PCIe 4.0 which doubles the throughput of version 3.0
Motherboard - sometimes called system board Largest and most important circuit board Processor - central processing unit (CPU) Processes most of the data and instructions for the entire system
CPUs generate heat and require a heat sink and fan (together called the processor cooler) A heat sink consists of metal fins that draw heat away from a component
ExpressCard matches PCI Express and USB 2.0 Two sizes: ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54 Not backward compatible Hot-pluggable, hot-swappable, and supports autoconfiguration Windows services for ExpressCard Socket service establishes communication between the card and the laptop
Card service provides the device driver to interface with the card after the socket is created Removing card from ExpressCard slot Use the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area to stop one card before inserting another Proceed to eject the card
Consider the following when selecting a motherboard: Form factor The brand (Intel or AMD) and model processors the board supports
Chipset and memory speeds the board supports Expansion slots (type and how many needed) Hard drive controllers Case Price and warranty Support
The motherboard is the most complicated of all components inside a computer Most popular motherboard form factors are ATX, MicroATX and Mini-ITX Motherboard will have one or more processor sockets
Chipset embedded on the motherboard determines what kind of processor/memory are supported Major advancements in Intel: Accelerated Hub Architecture, Nehalem chipsets, and Sandy Bridge
The Chipset
Chipset: set of chips on motherboard that work with processor to collectively control: Memory, motherboard buses, some peripherals Major manufacturers Intel and AMD Intel Chipsets
First Look at Laptop Computers Laptop (notebook): portable computer. Variation of a laptop is a netbook Smaller and has less features than laptop
Comparing laptops to desktop computers Use the same technology as desktops Smaller, portable, and use less power Replacement parts cost more than desktops Laptops offer a variety of ports and slots
Protect yourself and the equipment Don't touch a microchip with a magnetized screwdriver Never ever touch inside of a turned on computer
Consider monitor, power supply as "black boxes" Never remove the cover or touch inside Watch out for sharp edges that can cut
Buses and Expansion Slots BusSystem of pathways used for communication Carried by bus: Power, control signals, memory addresses, data These lines are sometimes called data bus
Data and instructions exist in binary Only two states: on and off Data path size: width of a data bus Examples: 8-bit bus has eight wire lines to transmit
Consider the following when purchasing a motherboard: Form factor Processor socket and chipset Buses and number of bus slots Other connectors, slots, and ports
Determines motherboard size, features Compatible with power supplies, cases, processors, expansion cards Most popular ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX Mini-ITX is smaller than MicroATX and is also known as ITX
Place screws on notebook paper Write where screw belongs Tape screw beside manufacturer documentation Keep notes to help with reassembly
Disassembly tips: Find the hardware service manual Consider the warranty might still apply Opening the case might void the warranty Take the time necessary, do not force anything
Maintaining Laptops and Mobile Devices General guidelines: Do not touch LCD panel with sharp objects Do not pick up or hold by the lid Use OEM recommended battery packs Do not tightly pack in a suitcase - use carrying case
Do not move while hard drive is being accessed Do not put close to appliances generating strong magnetic field Always use passwords to protect your laptop when connected to a public network or if device is stolen
Step 1: Plan and Organize Your Work Make notes for backtracking Remove loose jewelry that might get caught Stay organized by keeping small parts in one place Do not stack boards on top of each other
Do not touch board chips With hands, magnetized screwdriver Fingerprints on edge connectors may later cause corrosion
"If it's not broke, don't fix it" - only update if you're having trouble with a motherboard
Don't update unless the update is a later version than the one installed Update should not be interrupted while in progress
LoJack for Laptops Technology Technology embedded in the BIOS of many laptops to protect a system against theft Must subscribe to service Software and BIOS work together to locate a laptop whenever it connects to the Internet
Drive Encryption and Drive Password Protection Some motherboards allow you to set a password in order to access the hard drive Password is kept on drive so that it still works even if drive is moved to another computer
BIOS Support for Virtualization Virtualization is when one physical machine hosts activities that are normally done on multiple machines Virtual machine VM is software that simulates the hardware of a physical computer
Each VM works like a physical computer and is assigned virtual devices such as virtual motherboard and virtual hard drive Virtualization must be enabled in BIOS setup
Tools Used By a Computer Hardware Technician
Essential tools ESD strap (ground bracelet) Flat-head screwdriver Phillips-head or cross-head screwdriver Torx screwdriver set (size T15) Insulated tweezers Extractor OS recovery CD or DVD also uses a tool box
How to Work Inside a Desktop Computer Case
Every PC technician should know how to take a computer apart and put it back together again The following slides will cover this skill
Buses include conventional PCI, PIC-X, and PCI Express Some components can be built into the motherboard, called on-board components
Firmware that controls a motherboard and the boot is the older BIOS and the newer UEFI Settings that can be changed include: changing boot order, enabling or disabling onboard devices, support for virtualization, and security settings
Flashing BIOS
Flashing BIOS is the process of upgrading or refreshing the programming stored on the firmware chip BIOS updates are downloaded from motherboard manufacturer's Web site or third party site
Clip your ESD strap to the side of the computer case After opening you will see the main components: Power supply Motherboard Drives
Follow cables from motherboard to the component to know the purpose of each cable
When upgrading components on a laptop, use components that are the same brand as the laptop
Follow directions in a service manual to disassemble a laptop
Ports on a computer might include video, RJ-45, audio, S/PDIF, USB, FireWire, eSATA, and PS/2 Internal computer components include the motherboard, processor, expansion cards, DIMM modules, hard drive, optical drive, tape drive, and power supply
Form factors used by cases, power supplies, and motherboards are ATX and micro-ATX Power connectors include the 20-pin P1, 24-pin P1, 4-pin and 8-pin auxiliary motherboard, 4-pin Molex, 15-pin SATA, 4-pin Berg, and 6/8-pin PCIe
Form Factors Used by Computer Cases, Power Supplies, and Motherboards
Form factors: standards that describe the size, shape, screw hole positions, and major features of computer cases, power supplies, and motherboards. Necessary so that all will be compatible with each other
A mobile device can use the following to sense its position: Gyroscope or accelerometer Motion and position sensing device Helps to adjust screen orientation Used by games to sense device movement
GPS Mobile devices might contain a GPS receiver Routinely reports its position to the owner of the OS Geotracking: possible for companies to track device's whereabouts
Mobile Device Accessories Wireless keyboards Speakers Ear buds Headsets
Game pads Docking stations Printers USB adapters Credit card readers
How to Install or Replace a Motherboard
General process for replacing a motherboard: 1. Verify right motherboard is selected 2. Get familiar with documentation, features, settings 3. Remove components to reach old motherboard 4. Install the I/O shield metal plate
To remove expansion cards: Remove any wire or cable connected to the card Remove the screw holding the card to the case
Grasp the card with both hands and remove it by lifting straight up can also rock the card from end to end, Don't put your fingers on edge connectors or touch a chip. It is best to store cards in an antistatic bag
Step 2: Open the Computer Case and Examine the System Back up important data Power down the system and unplug it Unplug other peripherals as well Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds This will drain the power supply
Have a plastic bag or cup handy to hold screws Open the case cover Many cases require you to remove the faceplate first Some older cases require you to remove a side panel
Onboard Ports and Connectors Onboard ports (integrated components) Ports coming directly off the motherboard USB, sound, network, FireWire, video, eSATA ports Older motherboards might have mouse and keyboard ports, parallel and serial ports
I/O shield Plate installed in computer case providing holes for on-board ports Internal connectors SATA, USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) connectors
Connect the power cords from the power supply to the motherboard (cont'd): If case fan is present, connect power cord from the fan to pins on motherboard labeled "Fan Header"
If a CPU and cooler are already installed on motherboard, connect power cord from CPU to pins on motherboard labeled "Fan Header" Connect wire leads from the front panel of the case to the front panel header on motherboard
Power-on passwords Assigned in BIOS setup to prevent unauthorized access to the computer and/or BIOS setup utility May be possible to set a supervisor and user password
If both passwords are set, must enter a valid password to boot the system. How to set passwords varies depending on motherboard and BIOS
Step 3: Remove Expansion Cards
If removing components: Draw a diagram of all cable connections to the motherboard, expansion cards, and drives. Use a felt-tip marker to mark components in order to indicate a cable connection, board placement, orientation, etc...
TPM chip - Trusted Platform Module chip BitLocker Encryption in Windows 8/7/Vista works with this chip Encryption key is kept on chip Assures that a drive cannot be used in another computer Can be used with other encryption software that may be installed on the hard drive other than BitLocker
If the motherboard fails and is replaced, you'll need a backup copy of the startup key to access data on the hard driveExiting the BIOS setup menus Most exit screens give several options
Connect wires to ports on the front panel of the case Audio ports or USB ports are examples. Install the video card and other expansion cards Double-check each connection Plug in keyboard, monitor, and mouse
In classroom environment, have instructor check work. Turn on the power and check that the PC is working properly. If not, most likely a loose connection
North Bridge and South Bridge - Uses hub interface All I/O buses input/output buses connect to hub Hub connects to system bus North Bridge - fast end of hub South Bridge - slow end of hub
Intel Chipsets (cont'd) Nehalem chipset Contain memory controller within processor housing Memory connects directly to processor Has QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) technology Has 16 lanes for data packets
Most hard drives, optical drives, and tape drives use the serial ATA (SATA) standards Laptop computers use function keys to control many features of the laptop A laptop may have an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slot for expansion
Internal laptop components include keyboard, hard drive, memory, smart card reader, optical drive, wireless card, screen, DC jack, battery pack, touch pad, speaker, system board, and CPU, heat sink/fan
Sandy Bridge chipset Memory and graphics controller in processor Second Generation Core i7 processor is an example Sandy Bridge motherboards use DDR3 memory
Ivy Bridge chipset - 3rd generation processors released in 2012 Use less power More transistors in a smaller place Perform better than earlier products Uses a single Platform Controller Hub
Using Jumpers to Clear BIOS Settings Jumper - two small posts or metal pins that stick up off the motherboard that is open or closed Open jumper has no cover and a closed jumper has a cover on the two pins
Jumpers can be used to clear a forgotten supervisor or power-on password If flashing BIOS fails, a jumper can be set to undo the update
Look for a small triangle embedded on the connector that marks one of the outside wires as pin 1
Line up pin 1 on connector with pin 1 marked on motherboard If labels on motherboard are not clear, consult user guide for help
Laptop Internal Components
List of important components: Battery pack Hard drive CPU, heat sink, and fan Memory Wireless card System board Optical drive
Loopback Plugs
Loopback plug Used to test a port in a computer or other device to make sure the port is working May also test the throughput or speed of port
Diagnostic Tools Provided by Manufacturers To determine problem components use diagnostic software provided by manufacturer Sources:
Manufacturer's Web site CDs bundled with the notebook Hard drive or floppy disk. Example: PC-Doctor Included with Lenovo, Fujitsu, and HP notebooks Can be purchased separately
Service Manuals and Other Sources of Information Service manuals save time Enables safe laptop disassembly Locating documentation - Service manual Manufacturer's physical manual
Manufacturer's Web site Support or FAQ pages Third party websites. User manual Provides basic maintenance tasks
Screws and nuts on a laptop are smaller than a desktop Require smaller tools. requires special tools and extra patience
Many small screws require smaller tools Work methodically: Keep screws and components organized Place screws in a pillbox label each compartment Place screws on soft padded work surface Use white labeling tape
Zero insertion force ZIF sockets All current processor sockets Side lever lifts processor up and out of the socket.Sockets for AMD Processors AMD uses the PGA socket architecture desktops
Match a processor to the socket and motherboard Refer to motherboard, processor compatibility documentation
System clock (system timer) - times activities on the motherboard Speed of memory, Front Side Bus, processor, or other component is measured in hertz (Hz), which is one cycle per second
Megahertz (MHz): one million cycles per second Gigahertz (GHz): one billion cycles per second Motherboards can have more than one bus Table 3-4 on the following slide lists many buses
Expansion cards - also called adapter cards A circuit board that provides more ports than those provided by the motherboard Today, most ports are provided by motherboards
Memory modules - random access memory (RAM) Temporary storage for data and instructions as they are being processed by the CPU Dual inline memory module (DIMM) slots hold memory modules
Performed if: System hangs at odd times or during boot Motherboard becomes unstable Incorporating new feature, or component
Methods of installing BIOS updates Express BIOS update Update from a USB flash drive using setup BIOS Update using a bootable CD Recovery from a failed update
Storage Devices
Mobile devices store apps and data on a solid state drive (SSD) A type of flash memory A device might have an external slot for a smart card to provide extra storage
ExpressCard Slots
Most peripheral devices on today's laptops use a USB port to connect to a laptop Before USB, laptops offered ExpressCard slots Sometimes called PCMCIA cards
Motherboard Types and Features
Motherboard Most complicated computer component One of the first items to consider when building a computer
Maintaining a Motherboard
Motherboard is considered a field replaceable unit Need to know how to: Update motherboard drivers Update flash BIOS or UEFI Replace CMOS battery
Configuring a Motherboard Motherboard settings Enable or disable connector or port Set CPU frequency, system bus, other buses Control security features Control what happens when PC first boots
Motherboards may use these types of firmware: BIOS - used on older motherboards UEFI - replacing BIOS UEFI with BIOS - for backward compatibility
Multimeter
Multimeter Measures several characteristics of electricity in a variety of devices
Special Considerations when Supporting Laptops Laptops and their replacement parts cost more than desktop PCs. Factors to consider that apply more to laptop than desktop computers:
Original equipment manufacturer's warranty Service manuals and diagnostic software provided by the manufacturer. Customized installation of the OS unique to laptops. Advantage of order replacement parts directly from the laptop manufacturer or authorized source
Phablet - same capabilities of a smart phone or tablet Smaller than a tablet and larger than a smart phone
Other mobile devices E-readers Smart cameras Wearable technology devices Smart watches, wristbands, arm bands, eyeglasses, headsets, and clothing
MiniPCi and MiniPCIe in Laptops Smaller versions of the PCI and PCIe slots Mini PCIe slots have 52 or 54 pins and one notch offset from the center of the slot Mini PCI slot is wider with 100 or 124 pins
PCI Riser cards Installs in a PCI slot and provides another slot at a right angle Used to fit PCI, PCIe, and PCI-X cards into a low-profile or slimline case
Conventional PCI Improved several times PCI Version 2.x introduced the 64-bit, 3.3 V PCI slot, doubling the data throughput of the bus Four types of slots and six possible PCI card configurations
PCI-X Uses 64-bit data path Latest revision is PCI-X 3.0 all revisions are backward-compatible
Drives, Their Cables, and Connectors Hard Drives Two standards: Serial ATA standard (SATA) Used by most drives today Get power from a power cable that connects to the drive using a SATA power connector
Parallel ATA (PATA) - slower than SATA Also called IDE interface Used 40-pin ribbon cable and connector Two connectors on a motherboard for two data cables Found in most older desktop computers
Post Diagnostic Cards
Post Diagnostic Cards Helps discover, report computer errors and conflicts at power-on self test (POST) Tests performed by startup UEFI/BIOS
Power Supply Tester
Power Supply Tester Measures output of each power supply connector
Hard drives and other drives Hard drives may also be called hard disk drive (HDD) Permanent storage used to hold data and programs Other drives include: optical drive and tape drive
Power supply - also called power supply unit (PSU) Receives and converts house current so that components inside the case can use it Most come with a dual-voltage selector switch Allows switching input voltage from 115V to 220V
Keep notebook at room temperature Keep away from smoke, water, dust Do not power up and down unnecessarily Do not run it while it is in the case, resting on pillow or covered by a blanket
Protect notebook against ESD Remove CD/DVD or USB flash drives before traveling Take precautions if notebook gets wet Keep current backups of important data
Warranty Concerns Always check to see if laptop is under warranty before servicing. Contacting technical support: information needed Laptop model and serial number
Purchaser name, phone number, address Service options On-site Ship to authorized service center Phone assistance or online chat
Protect against ESD Understand ZIF connectors Pry up plastic covers with dental pick or screwdriver Plastic screws may be used only once Disassemble components in order
Reassembly tips: Reassemble notebook in reverse order Tighten, but do not over tighten, all screws Before installing the battery or AC adapter verify there are no loose parts inside the notebook
Cleaning tips: Clean LCD panel with a soft dry cloth Use compressed air To clean keyboard, track ball, and touch pad To blow out air vents
Remove keyboard if keys are sticking and then blow air under keys Use contact cleaner Remove battery and clean battery connections
Replacing a Laptop System Board May need to fully disassemble the entire notebook Consider alternatives before proceeding General procedure for replacing the motherboard: Remove the keyboard, optical drive, and mini PCIe card
Remove the notebook lid and keyboard bezel assembly Lift up the assembly and disconnect two cables connecting it to the motherboard Remove CPU and DVD drive Remove screw that hold motherboard in place
The laptop manufacturer documentation are useful when disassembling, troubleshooting, and repairing a notebook When an internal component needs replacing, consider the possibility of disabling the component and using an external peripheral device in its place
Replacing the laptop might be more cost effective than performing labor-intensive repairs When disassembling a laptop, the manufacturer's service manual is essential
Using UEFI Setup to Configure a Motherboard Extensible Firmware Interface EFI, original version first developed by Intel Improves on BIOS in these ways: Faster and better booting Mouse-enabled interface
Secure boot Support for hard drives larger than 2 TB Provides a BIOS boot through its Compatibility Support Module CSM
How to Select a Desktop Motherboard Three approaches to selecting a motherboard:
Select the board that provides the most room for expansion, so you can upgrade and exchange components and add devices easily Select the board that best suits the needs of the computer's current configuration Select a motherboard that meets your present needs with moderate room for expansion
Processor Sockets Processor socket - determines which processors a board can support Socket holds Intel or AMD processors
Sockets for Intel processors Intel makes several Itanium and Xeon processors designed for servers
Tips to remove drives: Look for screws on each side of the drive attaching the drive to the drive bay There might be a catch underneath the drive You must lift up as you slide the drive forward
Some drive bays have a clipping mechanism to hold the drive in the bay. Release the clip and then pull the drive forward. May have to remove the drive bay in order to remove the drives
Configure onboard devices Enable/disable a port or group of ports View hard drive and optical drive information Processor and clock speeds
Some motherboards allow changing the processor speed and/or the memory multiplier overclocking Monitor temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages Intrusion detection. Can enable event logging logs when case is opened
Connection Types
Some ways a mobile device connects to outside world: Wi-Fi local wireless network and cellular network Bluetooth and Infrared Near Field Communication (NFC) Wired connection Tethering and mobile hotspots
To remove the power supply from the case: Look for screws that attach the power supply to the computer case Do not remove screws that hold power supply housing together do take housing apart
Sometimes power supplies are also attached to the case on the underside by recessed slots Turn case over and look for slots. If present, determine in which direction you need to slide the power supply to free it from the case
To remove motherboard (cont'd): Disconnect any other cables or wires connected to the motherboard Unscrew motherboard from spacers
Spacers standoffs: round plastic or metal pegs that separate the board from the case Spacers are necessary to keep motherboard from touching the metal case, which might cause a short Motherboard should be free to remove from the case
Common tools for a computer hardware technician include an ESD strap, screwdrivers, tweezers, flashlight, compressed air, and cleaning solutions and pads
Special tools a PC support technician might need include a POST diagnostic card, power supply tester, multimeter, and loopback plugs
Sockets and processor use different methods to make contacts between them (cont'd):Staggered pin grid array SPGA Pins staggered over socket
Squeezes more pins into a small space Ball grid array BGA Not really a socket Processor is soldered to the motherboard
Motherboard drivers and/or BIOS might need updating to fix a problem CMOS battery might need replacing When selecting a motherboard pay attention to the form factor, chipset, expansion slots, memory slots, and processors supported
Study motherboard manual before installing it For laptops, it's usually more cost effective to replace the laptop than to replace a failed system board
Manage email Play games Take photos and video Use a variety of apps
Tablet is larger than a smart phone with similar functions Most connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and some have cellular network connectivity Some can make phone calls and use MMS
Field-Serviceable Parts for Mobile Devices
There are few F.R.U field replacement unit in mobile devices It is possible to replace screens in some mobile devices A support technician is not generally expected to do this SIM cards and batteries can be replaced
Step 4: Remove the Motherboard, Power Supply, and Drives Depending on the system, you may have to remove the drives and/or power supply to get to the motherboard
To remove motherboard: Unplug power supply lines Unplug SATA cables connected to the motherboard Disconnect wires leading from the front of the computer case to the motherboard called front panel connectors Make a diagram before disconnecting
Replacing the CMOS Battery complementary metal-oxide semiconductor RAM is a small amount of memory stored on the motherboard that retains data Even when computer is turned off If the CMOS battery is disconnected or fails, setup information is lost
To replace the CMOS battery: Choose correct replacement battery Power down system, unplug it, press power button to drain the power, remove case cover Use ESD strap, remove old battery using a flat-head screwdriver, pop new battery into place
Docking Stations Some laptops have a connector called a docking port A docking station provides ports to allow a laptop to easily connect to a full-sized monitor, keyboard, AC power adapter, and other peripheral devices
To use a docking station: Plug all peripherals into docking station Connect laptop to the station No software needed
Some settings might be: Volume Keyboard backlight
Touch pad on or off Screen brightness and screen orientation Dual displays Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Media options GPS on or off
Firmware - programs and data stored on the motherboard Two types of firmware may be used: BIOS (basic input/output system) contains: System BIOS Startup BIOS BIOS setup
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) More robust and secure than BIOS Can assure boot is secure and no rogue OS hijacks the system
Updating Motherboard Drivers Device drivers are small programs that allow software to interact with certain hardware
Use Windows internal drivers, bundled CD drivers, or download drivers from manufacturer site Always use 32-bit drivers with a 32-bit OS and 64-bit drivers with a 64-bit OS
Micro-ATX form factor Major variation of ATX Reduces total cost of a system by: Reducing number of expansion slots on motherboard Reducing power supplied to the board Allowing for a smaller case size
Uses a 24-pin P1 connector Not likely to have as many extra wires and connectors as those on the ATX power supply
Sockets and processor use different methods to make contacts between them: Pin grid array PGA socket. Pins aligned in uniform rows around socket. Land grid array LGA
Uses lands pads rather than pins Examples of LGA sockets: LGA775 and LGA1366. Flip-chip land grid array FCLGA socket Chip is flipped over so that the top of the chip is on the bottom and makes contact with the socket
Ports common to laptops include: USB, FireWire, network, dial-up modem, audio, and video ports Most laptops include slots for flash memory cards
When a laptop is missing a port or slot, you can use a USB dongle to provide the port or slot Examples: USB to RJ-45 dongle to connect to a wired network USB to Wi-Fi dongle to connect to a wireless network
Steps to Put a Computer Back Together Refer to any diagrams created during the disassembling process Install components in this order: power supply, drives, motherboard, and cards
When installing drives, it may be easier to connect cables to the drives before sliding them into the bay. Place motherboard inside the case Make sure ports and screw holes are lined up
Flashing UEFI UEFI updates are more secure than BIOS updates Require digital signatures for update to be verified UEFI firmware, drivers, and databases can be updated by way of a USB flash drive or from within Windows
Windows updates sometimes include UEFI updates When Windows receives a UEFI update, it hands off the update to UEFIFirmware is responsible for applying the update and displays a screen letting user know not to disturb the system while the update is in progress
What's Inside the Case Computer Case Sometimes called "chassis" Holds Power supply, motherboard, processor, memory modules, expansion cards, hard drive, optical drive
other drives Tower case - sits upright and can hold several drives Desktop case - lies flat and sometimes holds monitor Mobile case - used with laptops and tablets All-in-one case - used with all-in-one computer